Understanding Stem Cells

Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about stem cells and cell therapy. We explain in an accessible way what stem cells are, their different types, and how they can be used in medical treatments.

The world of stem cells
1. What are stem cells? + 2. What are the different types of stem cells? + 3. What are adult (tissue-specific) stem cells? Where do they come from? + 4. What are embryonic stem cells? Where do they come from? What can they teach us? + 5. What are “induced pluripotent cells” or iPS cells? + 6. Can induced pluripotent cell research replace research on embryonic stem cells? + 7. What are cancer stem cells? + 8. What is a stem cell line? + 9. What are human embryonic stem cells used for? +
Films and Videos
Watch selected content about the fascinating world of stem cells
10. Why is umbilical cord blood a valuable resource? + 11. Why are researchers interested in developing disease-specific or patient-specific pluripotent stem cells? + 12. What is somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)? + 13. Why derive embryonic stem cell lines using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)? + 14. What is regenerative medicine? + 15. Why is stem cell research important? + 16. What is bioethics? + 17. What are some of the ethical questions in stem cell research? +
Stem Cells: Treatments and Applications
1. Are stem cells currently used in therapies today? + 2. What are the obstacles that must be overcome before the potential uses of stem cells in cell therapy will be realized? + 3. I have heard that there are clinics offering different types of stem cell treatments. Is this true? + 4. How does science become medicine? + 5. What is an experimental treatment? + 6. What is a clinical trial? +
7. What is the difference between a clinical trial and an experimental procedure? + 8. Can SPCE-TC recommend clinics or clinical trials that are conducting legitimate therapies for specific diseases? + 9. Are stem cell treatments dangerous? Can stem cells cause cancer? + 10. Are treatments using my own (autologous) stem cells safe? Why should these be regulated? + 11. What can I lose in trying an unproven treatment? +
Films and Videos
Stem Cells – Myths and Truths
Stem Cells in the Nervous System
Hematopoietic Stem Cells
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